And we're off!

Wow, this past week has flown by. I'm sorry I haven't blogged yet, the combination of finding time to do so and having internet access has proven tricky. But, here I am using the internet in the home of Sandra (and her husband Loren), one of the most wonderful woman I have ever met! Seriously, I'm taking notes on hospitality from her, she's incredible. The team is in Chander, Arizona for the weekend and all of us are staying with host families from the Desert Springs Church.

I'm not even sure where to begin with a blog entry. The first few days I was overwhelmed with the experience. Meeting both the Pacific Coast and Southern team along with Venture staff and Blood:Water Mission staff my introverted self was in shock. I loved it, but man, it wore me out! Then the cycling began...our first day was over a mountain range! I thought the Mt. Vernon side of the Mt. Vernon trail in Virginia was brutal. Ha! At one point I actually got off of my bike and WALKED up the mountain. I think that way was actually faster! I've been streched in so many ways already: physically, mentally, relationally, emotionally (i'm not super emotional but I've probably cried once a day for a variety of reasons - fatigue, frustration, happiness...)

So far I am loving this experience. The team is amazing and I'm so excited to continue to get to know them even better! A lot of us are tweeting throughout the rides on our phones so be sure to check those out if you want more pictures, stories, etc...

Most memorable moments:

Meeting the teams in San Diego

Jumping into a pool at an RV park in the middle of the Californian desert

Wearing spandex...at a church service

Finishing a 114 mile day (my previous record was 75-80 miles in much cooler weather!)

Cycling on an interstate

Looking at the stars in Anza Borrega State Park

Theresa

Twitter: @Theresa_Johnson